MOST of the concerns surrounding plans for a million pound-plus sheltered housing development in the centre of Freshwater were ironed out at a public meeting on Tuesday evening.
Concerned residents of Ainsworth Court crammed into Freshwater Parish Council’s meeting room to hear about South Wight Housing Association’s (SWHA) latest scheme.
The association aims to demolish the existing building with 42 flats on land between Brooklands, off Queen’s Road, to make way for a block of 31 self-contained units. It would comprise a communal garden, with some of the accommodation built into the roofspace.
Cllr Brenda Hobbs was concerned the seven parking spaces allocated for the site, one of which was designated for an ambulance, was woefully inadequate for a development of its size.
Councillors and the public were generally satisfied with the proposals but raised concerns over whether the sewers could cope with a new facility, surface water drainage, inadequate parking and that it would not be in keeping with the street scene.
Geoff Snow, SWHA development officer, said the scheme would cost well in excess of £1 million and that the association was currently on target to bring its properties up to standard by the government’s 2010 deadline.
"It would cost about £1.5 million to upgrade the property, most of which are bedsits. No one wants bedsits these days, so it would be a false economy," he said.
Cllr George Cameron said: "It is a good replacement for Ainsworth Court — a project that would complement the area."
The deadline for comments to Island planners is tomorrow (Friday).
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk